Welcome to Darts Hill Garden

Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the vision of Francisca Darts.

One Woman’s Vision

Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the clear vision of Francisca Darts. Along with her husband Edwin, Francisca took a logged piece of land, turned it first into an award winning orchard and then into the unique garden that is Darts Hill today.

Francisca’s curiosity and love of the new and interesting has resulted in the most diverse collection of mature tree and shrub species in the Pacific Northwest. Many were planted from seed collected from around the world.

In 1994 Edwin and Francisca Darts donated their 7.5-acre garden to the City of Surrey and its citizens. Their intention was to give Surrey its own garden to be used as a horticultural centre for the preservation, enhancement, and development of plants. The non-profit Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society works in partnership with the City of Surrey towards these goals.

SPRING AND SUMMER OPENINGS

Darts Hill Garden Park awakens in April with an explosion of colour. The large collection of bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees provides blooms from early spring to late summer in an ever-changing palette, worthy of several visits.

Public Openings

Explore the garden during our Garden Strolls, scheduled from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from June 4, 2020, to July 31, 2020. Garden strolls in April and May 2020 were cancelled due to global concern about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Darts Hill Garden Park has reopened with new protocols to ensure community safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Now open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors will need to pre-register for a 1.5-hour time slot. Registrations times will be available every thirty minutes. Final entrance time will be 2 p.m., with a maximum of 15 registered visitors for each time slot. Additional information on registering to visit is available from the following links:

Link for information on the City of Surrey Media Release

Link for Registering to visit Darts Hill Garden Park

During the spring and summer, the Garden also offers special openings, events, displays, and plant sales. Before travelling to the Garden, please check our calendar for confirmation of openings and further information. The main pathways are gravel with inclines; they may be suitable for some wheelchair users.

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. In July, attend free music concerts offered through the City of Surrey’s popular Sounds of Summer series – July 10th and July 29th.

The Garden is closed to the public during most of August, but re-opens in the fall.

For DHGCTS Members Days please consult the calendar.

Memberships

To enjoy extended openings and the opportunity to fully enjoy and contribute to this exceptional plantsman’s garden, please consider the advantages of becoming a Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society member. (Costs start at $20.) Learn more here.

Tours

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. For a truly customized experience, bring your own group of five or more for a two-hour Guided Tour, conducted by one of our experienced guides.

Pre-registration is required for all tours.Tour cost is $5 per person. Visit our tours section to learn all you need to know about booking a Darts Hill Tour.

Visiting with Children

Darts Hill Garden can be magical for children of all ages. They’ll enjoy exploring the winding mossy pathways, going through “tree tunnels,” and taking in the colours, sounds, and smells of the garden. They’ll observe the variety and unique features of plants from around the world, learn to recognize our own Pacific Coast native plants, see honeybees and mason bees at work, and perhaps see a rabbit or other creature that inhabits the garden. It’s a unique learning experience.

Parents are asked to supervise their children and teach them to stay on the pathways and respect the special plants in this garden. Bicycles, skateboards, soccer balls, and similar items are not permitted in the Heritage Garden at Darts Hill Garden Park. Secure bike racks are available for your use. Ride your bike to the garden!